A Salamanca couple, Manuel Ángel Hernández and Purificación Manzano, aged 68 and 67 respectively, were traveling on an IMSERSO bus when it veered off the road and toppled into a ditch near Sant Llorenç. The day’s excursion had taken them to explore the island’s celebrated caves, a routine outing that suddenly became a moment of fear and uncertainty.
The husband recalls a moment when he believes the driver did not brake in time. He describes how the bus seemed to skid, slipped from the edge of the road, and began its uncontrolled descent toward the embankment. The accident occurred at about 9:45 a.m. on the MA-4030, at kilometer 5, the route connecting Sant Llorenç with Son Servera. A total of 54 passengers were on board the coach, bound for Artà, where the crew hoped to showcase the island’s scenic highlights. Twenty-four travelers were injured, seven seriously, in what witnesses would later describe as a sudden, disorienting catastrophe that transformed a routine trip into a crisis.
Branches and tree limbs pierced the vehicle as it rolled, breaking through windows and striking passengers along the way. Purificación recalls a branch hitting her in the eye as the bus tumbled, a jarring image that underscored the randomness of danger in such moments. Manuel Ángel sustained cuts to his right hand as he attempted to exit, injuring himself while breaking the rear windows to carve a path to safety. Their testimonies illuminate how a calm journey can instantly spiral into chaos, yet also how resilience and quick thinking can make a critical difference.
All passengers had their seat belts fastened, a reminder of how safety features can limit harm in an accident. Those who could unbuckle moved toward the exits in an orderly fashion, with volunteers staying behind to help others who needed medical attention. The belt requirement proved valuable in reducing the severity of injuries and preventing additional upheaval during the crash.
Emergency services arrived quickly, and responders organized a swift, coordinated response at the scene. A calm directive to fasten seat belts, given by a guide, was followed with practiced ease by Purificación, who trusted the routine sense of duty she carries into such emergencies. The rapid mobilization of aid and the composed yet urgent conduct of the staff helped stabilize the situation as hospital teams began to receive the more seriously injured.
In the hours that followed, hospital staff and rescuers treated injuries, assessed each passenger’s condition, and maintained open lines of communication with families as information emerged. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic but controlled, with travelers helping one another amid confusion and fear. The incident highlighted the importance of seat belt use, the management of large groups in emergencies, and the vital role of trained responders who can act decisively in a compressed timeline.
The event serves as a sober reminder of how quickly travel plans can change and how important it is to stay calm, follow safety guidance, and rely on trained crews when seconds matter. It also underscores the ongoing commitment to passenger safety in organized tours and escorted trips, where clear protocols and practiced teamwork can mitigate harm and save lives in sudden, high-stress situations.